vow

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈvau̇ 

: a solemn promise or assertion

specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition

vow

2 of 4

verb (1)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

1

: to promise solemnly : swear

2

: to bind or consecrate by a vow

intransitive verb

: to make a vow

vower

ˈvau̇(-ə)r 

noun

vow

3 of 4

verb (2)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

: avow, declare

vower

4 of 4

noun (2)

vow·​er ˈvau̇(ə)r 

-au̇ə

plural -s

: one that vows

Synonyms of vow

Noun (1)

• promise
• pledge

Verb (1)

• promise
• swear
• pledge

Examples of vow in a Sentence

Noun (1)

The monks take a vow of silence.

The bride and groom exchanged vows.

The mayor made a vow to reduce crime.

Verb (1)

she vowed to love him forever

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Harry’s vow to invoke his mother in future charitable endeavors sits in stark contrast to older brother Prince William’s approach. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026

Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman reiterated his vow to spend as necessary with hopes to turn around the club’s fortunes. — Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026

Verb

Continue reading … ‘LETHAL ALLIANCE’ — Top US general vows to destroy 'anything and everything' backing a Russia strike. — FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

After hearing the guilty verdict, Davis vowed to pursue an appeal. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English vowe, from Anglo-French vou, from Latin votum, from neuter of votus, past participle of vovēre to vow; akin to Greek euchesthai to pray, vow, Sanskrit vāghat sacrificer

Verb (2)

Middle English, short for avowen

and Noun (2)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vow

• simple vow
• solemn vow
• vow of chastity

Rhymes for vow

• bao
• bough
• brow
• chow
• ciao
• clow
• cow
• dao
• dow
• frau
• hao
• hau

Kids Definition

vow

1 of 2 noun

ˈvau̇ 

: a solemn promise or statement

vow

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a vow or as a vow

2

: to bind or make holy by a vow

Legal Definition

vow

1 of 2 noun

: a solemn promise or statement

especially : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition

vow

2 of 2 transitive verb

1

: to promise solemnly

2

: to bind or commit by a vow

intransitive verb

: to make a vow

vower noun